Lampara Books complements Department of Education's ARAL Program through a nationwide search in storytelling competition

Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista is part of the publishing house’s broader literacy efforts while encouraging children to find joy in reading

Lampara Books continues to champion children’s reading literacy in the Philippines through Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, a nationwide search that celebrates young Filipino storytellers and their creativity. The program culminated in its Grand Finals on September 12, 2026, at the SMX Convention Center Manila, Mall of Asia Complex, Pasay City, where the top three finalists in two separate categories competed for the championship title.

More than a storytelling competition, Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 forms part of Lampara Books’ continuing advocacy to nurture children’s interest in reading and storytelling. The initiative also complements the literacy goals of the Department of Education’s ARAL Program, which provides structured learning interventions for students who need additional support in key academic competencies, particularly reading.

Lampara Books has also championed its literacy programs, including Magbasa Tayo! (Marungko Approach) and Let’s Read! (Systematic Phonics). These initiatives form a continuum in Lampara Books’ varied reading advocacies, helping children develop a lasting appreciation for books and literature.

Category A (Grade 1-3):

• 1st Place: Catriona Xia C. Gacutan

• 2nd Place: Zander Skye H. Saplagio

• 3rd Place: Ameera Estelle E. Incognito

The winners of the Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026, were announced during a key segment at this year’s Manila International Book Fair.

Category B (Grade 4-6):

• 1st Place: Czarina Sophia L. Hinanay
• 2nd Place: Ma. Daniela C. Mejos
• 3rd Place: Alamela G. Cacho

The finalists were evaluated by a panel composed of multidisciplinary artist and children’s rights advocate Pepot Atienza; storyteller, puppeteer, and professor Melanie Ramirez; UP Diliman creative writing and literature professor Eugene Evasco; UP Diliman Professor of Reading Education and children’s author Portia Padilla; and senior member of the Philippine Educational Theater Association, Csairus John Habla.

Inclusivity and Representation

This year’s Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista 2026 attracted 416 young participants from 139 schools across the Philippines, with 45% coming from cities and provinces outside the National Capital Region (NCR). By accepting online submissions, the nationwide storytelling competition opened its doors to children from both remote communities and urban areas, allowing them to participate without the added challenges and expenses of traveling to Manila.

According to Segundo Matias Jr., co-founder and president of Lampara Publishing House, Inc. (Lampara Books), this year’s participants demonstrated a distinct approach to storytelling. Rather than relying heavily on rehearsed performances, many young storytellers delivered their interpretations with creativity, authenticity, and spontaneity—showcasing impressive confidence and imagination despite their age.

“Hindi maikakailang malikhain ang mga bata,” Matias admits, describing the participants’ performances this year as natural and highly creative. He noted that this quality gave the presentations a refreshing rawness, with the children interpreting the material with their own creative flavor.

A National Concern

Reading advocacy remains a pressing national concern, underscoring the importance of encouraging children to develop a lasting appreciation for books and storytelling. Matias emphasized the need to nurture a new generation of young readers who view reading not only as an educational tool, but also as a meaningful and enjoyable activity they can return to throughout their lives.

“Ang Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista ay isang inisyatibo para lalo pang matutong magbasa ang mga bata. Hindi tayo dapat magpabaya. Gusto ihatid ng Lampara Books na mas masaya ang pagbabasa, kaya ginawa itong pagtatanghal para lalo pang mapalaganap ang pagbabasa.” 

As children become increasingly exposed to emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), Batang Lampara, Batang Kuwentista provides a meaningful and sustainable platform for reinforcing the value of reading in the digital age. Rather than resisting technological advancement, the initiative highlights the importance of embracing innovation while ensuring that children maintain a strong and lasting connection to books, stories, and the joy of reading.

Familiar and Fresh: How URC Continues to Surprise Filipinos After 70 Years

Some favorites never go out of style and are still enjoyable in new ways. For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been a dependable partner in Filipino homes through popular and high-quality brands like Jack 'n Jill Piattos, Maxx, Cloud 9, Cream-O, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste, among others. While staying true to its goal of giving everyone access to delectable food options, URC constantly adjusts to the preferences and lifestyles of its patrons.

The company continues to excite generations of consumers by introducing new flavors, creative formats, and exciting product experiences, proving that innovation can come from well-known and cherished Filipino brands.

Here’s how some of URC’s popular brands are continuously evolving to excite and delight everyone:

The iconic tasty hexagon snack keeps offering exciting flavours

Piattos has become a favorite snack among Filipinos, known for its unique hexagonal shape, satisfying crunch, and much-loved flavors such as Cheese, Sour Cream & Onion, Roadhouse Barbecue, Nacho Pizza, Roast Beef, and Spicy Cheese. The brand continues to excite snack lovers by introducing new and limited-edition flavors, from Beef Bulgogi and Truffle Cream to its latest Cheddar & Sour Cream variant, catering to adventurous tastes and ever-changing snack cravings.

Along with Piattos, other beloved Jack ’n Jill snacks like Nova, Mang Juan, VCut, Chippy, and Chiz Curls continue to introduce exciting new flavors, giving Filipinos even more delicious choices to enjoy during snack time.

From sandwich cookie to full chocolate experience 

Cream-O has long been a beloved choice among Filipino chocolate lovers, the brand continues to evolve in response to changing consumer preferences. Moving beyond its iconic cookie format, Cream-O has expanded its range with indulgent offerings such as Cream-O Cake Bar, Cream-O Cakewich, and Cream-O Premium. Its newest addition, Cream-O Dark Choco, delivers a richer and bolder chocolate experience through a decadent cookie sandwich made for today’s more adventurous palates.

This commitment to innovation also extends to URC’s other biscuit favourites, including Dewberry, Presto, and Magic Crackers, which continue to explore new formats and experiences designed to match the diverse snacking preferences of modern Filipino consumers.

Reimagining the chocolate enjoyment with a new crunch 

Known for its signature blend of chewy nougat, smooth caramel, and crunchy peanuts, URC Cloud 9 chocolate has remained a popular choice among Filipino chocolate lovers. Continuing to bring fresh experiences to its classic chocolate lineup, URC has introduced Cloud 9 Crunchies, adding an enjoyable crispy texture to the familiar Cloud 9 combination.

The variety extends beyond Cloud 9, with Nips chocolate offering colorful and playful treats that bring different flavors and formats to everyday snacking. Together, these URC chocolate favorites give Filipino consumers more delicious ways to enjoy their sweet cravings.

Fruity freshness, now with a chewy twist

For years, Maxx candy has been a convenient pocket essential for Filipinos looking for instant freshness wherever they go. As snacking preferences continue to evolve, URC has expanded the Maxx lineup with Maxx Chews, a chewy menthol candy created for consumers who enjoy a more playful texture. Available in a convenient three-piece stick, Maxx Chews offers a practical and value-packed option for busy commuters, professionals, and anyone looking for a refreshing treat throughout the day.

Maxx is also joined by other popular URC candy brands, including XO, Dynamite, and Lush, giving Filipino consumers a variety of choices for every craving and every refreshing moment.

Offering refreshing tea favorites, and flavor innovations 

As a pioneer of ready-to-drink green tea in the Philippines, C2 Cool and Clean introduced Filipinos to a convenient and refreshing way to enjoy tea. From its popular Classic Green Tea, Apple, and Lemon variants, C2 has continued to expand its lineup with exciting fruity flavors, including Raspberry, Dalandan, and Peach.

Adding to its innovative range is C2 Freeze Melon, the latest flavor that gives fruity green tea a refreshing twist. With its delicious melon taste and lingering cool sensation, C2 Freeze Melon offers a refreshing drink experience for consumers looking for something new.

Brewing modern coffee moments, one cup at a time

Recognized as one of the Philippines’ most chosen beverage brands, according to Kantar’s Brand Footprint report, URC’s Great Taste has built a strong presence in the local coffee market through its commitment to product innovation. The brand made a notable contribution to the Philippine coffee scene with the introduction of Great Taste White Coffee, offering Filipinos a new way to enjoy their daily cup.

Continuing its tradition of innovation, URC introduces Great Taste Premium Roast, a coffee mix created to make afternoon coffee breaks even more satisfying. Featuring a Tapang-Sarap blend of dark-roasted Robusta coffee, palm sugar, and real milk, it delivers a rich and flavorful coffee experience designed to help Filipinos Balik Lakas Sigla throughout the day.

Bigger, bolder flavours for instant happiness 

Payless instant noodles continue to offer Filipino consumers delicious and satisfying meals without breaking the budget. With its wide selection of noodle variants and creative flavor innovations, Payless delivers more flavor and value in every bowl.

The latest addition, Payless Chili Garlic Mami, puts a flavorful spin on a beloved Filipino comfort food. Made with rich chili oil and real garlic bits, it combines satisfying anghang-linamnam for a deliciously craveable noodle experience. Available in Beef and Chicken flavors, Payless Chili Garlic brings an kakaibang Anghang-Sarap na Tumatatak experience to everyday noodle cravings.

Moving into modern pet care

Beyond creating enjoyable everyday snacking experiences, URC also supports the special bond between Filipino pet parents and their beloved fur babies. Through its award-winning pet care brand, TopBreed, URC has been helping fur parents provide quality care with a range of products, including dog food, cat food, and essential pet care products.

In 2026, TopBreed further expanded its portfolio beyond traditional dry dog and cat food, introducing wet food and treats to give pets more variety at mealtime. The brand also added TopCare cat litter, expanding its offerings to provide more practical solutions for everyday pet care.

Always something new to discover

For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has been part of the everyday lives of generations of Filipinos, continuously adapting to changing tastes, lifestyles, and consumer needs. As a trusted Filipino food and beverage company, URC remains committed to delivering quality, flavorful products that bring convenience and everyday enjoyment to homes across the Philippines.

For 70 years, Universal Robina Corporation (URC) has grown into one of the Philippines' leading food and beverage companies, with a portfolio of trusted brands enjoyed by millions of consumers locally and across international markets. Through decades of innovation and a deep understanding of evolving consumer needs, URC has built a lasting legacy of delivering quality products that enrich everyday life. Its iconic brands—including Jack 'n Jill Piattos, Cloud 9, Maxx Candy, Cream-O, Payless, C2 Cool and Clean, and Great Taste coffee—have become household names, connecting generations of Filipinos through shared moments and the simple joy of great taste. To learn more about URC, visit its Website, Facebook Page, and TikTok.

Pinoy Fans Celebrate McDonald’s Iconic Fries with a Nationwide FryFest

"We are thankful to everyone who celebrated our World Famous Fries during National Fries Day and every Fry Day that followed. Fry Fest is our way of bringing together the community of Pinoy Fries fans who have continuously shown their love for our World Famous Fries. We wanted to create a fun and memorable experience that celebrates not only the product, but the people who have made it a favorite through the years. The emotional connection of our Fries to generations of Pinoys is built not just with how good it is but how it has been part of moments and memories that fans and customers cherish." ~Ada Almendras-Lazaro, McDonald’s Philippines Chief Marketing Officer

For all the Fries Lovers out there, this one is for us! The very first McDo Fry Fest, a special celebration dedicated to one of McDonald's most iconic favorites — the World Famous Fries. What makes this event extra exciting is that it’s not just about having fries. Fry Fest brings Fries Lovers together for an afternoon filled with unlimited servings of Fries, fun games and interactive activities, plus an exclusive limited-edition Fries pouch that you can take home.

McDonald's Philippines held its first-ever McDo FryFest, the biggest Fries celebration to date. Thousands of Filipino fans came to enjoy unlimited fries, games, and activities. The McDo FryFest, which is held concurrently across more than 50 locations nationwide and brings together a community of Fries lovers to celebrate their shared love for McDonald's World Famous Fries, is the culmination of the quick service restaurant's months-long Fries-filled celebrations.

A Season of Fries-Filled Celebrations

 

In honor of National Fries Day on July 10, McDonald's Philippines offered a one-day P99 promotion that increased the enjoyment and shareability of its fan-favorite BFF Fries. Building on the excitement, every Friday after that was declared a FryDay, offering customers extra incentives to enjoy and promote McDonald's World Famous Fries through weekly discounts and special offers. Weekly attendance at FryDay allowed Fries fans to transform their personal cravings into a national celebration of one of the company's most iconic products.

The national McDo FryFest, McDonald's first-ever unlimited fry experience, is the culmination of it all. Beyond just fries, the FryFest is about fans connecting and bonding over their shared love of fries. For the first time, the neighborhood united for a sizable celebration focused on their shared passion for the well-known fries.

Aside from unlimited Fries and games and activities, all participants of the McDo FryFest also took home a limited-edition Fries pouch with wrist strap.

The Fries Filipinos Keep Coming Back To

One of McDonald's Philippines' most well-liked menu items is the World Famous Fries, which are simply cut from whole potatoes, deep-fried, and salted. Its consistency in quality, flavor, and freshness helped it become well-known throughout the world, but its ability to make people feel good every day—whether they are snacking or at social events—is what truly makes it iconic.

As McDonald's Philippines wraps up its biggest World Famous Fries celebration to date, customers can continue creating more joyful memories with their favorite fries, which are available nationwide via Dine-In, Take-Out, Drive-Thru, McDelivery, and third-party delivery apps.

For more information about McDonald’s Philippines, visit www.mcdonalds.com.ph, McDo.ph on Facebook, on Instagram, and on X. 

Hot Wheels Designer Brendon Vetuskey Rolls in Nostalgia to Kingsford Hotel Manila

“Hotels can be more than places where people stay. We can become part of the destination experience and create spaces where communities, businesses and visitors connect. Partnering with Metrics Ph allows us to support the collector community while exploring new opportunities for events, partnerships and experiences that can bring people to Manila.” ~Jorold Montelibano, General Manager of Kingsford Hotel Manila

Many people have fond childhood memories of Hot Wheels that begin with their first collection, a favorite car, or a race across the living room floor. Others never really lost that childhood fascination. It simply became a lifelong passion for collecting, trading, and discovering the histories of each diecast.

Hot Wheels diecast designer and Red Line Club design lead Brendon Vetuskey met with local and international collectors and enthusiasts at an exclusive private dinner held in partnership with Metrics Ph, the organizer of the Philippines Hot Wheels Collectors Convention, putting that shared nostalgia front and center at the Kingsford Hotel Manila.

Attendees, including the CEO of Metrics PH, enjoy an intimate dinner presentation with Hot Wheels lead designer Brendon Vetuskey.

It was more than just a get-together for diecast enthusiasts, bringing together collectors, families, business executives, tourism stakeholders, and hospitality representatives. It illustrated how a shared interest can forge strong bonds between communities and generations.

The event gave Kingsford Hotel Manila an opportunity to create an experience that goes beyond a standard hotel stay. The family-friendly hotel provided an ideal setting for an experience that brought together collectors who have been involved in the hobby for years, enthusiasts discovering new pieces, and kids and kids at heart who still love Hot Wheels.

From childhood memories to a collector community

The event gained a global creative perspective thanks to Vetuskey's involvement. Since joining Mattel in 2007, he has contributed to numerous Hot Wheels designs. At the moment, he serves as Red Line Club vehicles' primary diecast designer.

Vetuskey shared insights about Hot Wheels design and the process of creating diecast vehicles at the exclusive dinner, which followed an exclusive presentation and discussion with collectors and invited guests.

For Vetuskey, however, the appeal of collecting goes beyond the cars themselves.

“You might meet someone and start talking about your favorite Hot Wheels from childhood or the first car you ever collected. Those stories and shared memories are what makes collecting special.” ~Brendon Vetuskey, Hot Wheels Diecast Designer and Red Line Club Design Lead

Collectors take home a personal memento as Brendon Vetuskey signs Hot Wheels memorabilia

Collectors take home a personal memento as Brendon Vetuskey signs Hot Wheels memorabilia

Brendon Vetuskey connects with the Philippine collecting community, sharing stories from his journey as a Hot Wheels designer.

This sense of connection continues to influence the Philippines' growing collector culture. Collectors and enthusiasts can gather at Metrics Ph to celebrate a cross-generational hobby, share their collections, and tell stories.

Shared passion becomes a hotel experience

The event also offered a glimpse of how specialized communities can create new tourism and hospitality opportunities.

For collectors, a place can become more than just a venue for an event. It can be a place where people meet, form friendships, and exchange stories based on shared interests. For Kingsford, it's an additional opportunity to create experiences that foster community and visitor interaction.

Fans of Hot Wheels are still remarkably familiar with the appeal. Whether they have been collectors for a long time or are just remembering the thrill of opening a brand-new diecast car as children, the excitement is still there.

The nostalgia that brought children and children at heart together at the Kingsford Hotel Manila is proof that some childhood passions never really matured. They simply develop new strategies to bring people together.

Cebu Pacific's New Hand Carry Policy

Cebu Pacific (CEB) is updating its hand carry policy as part of its continuous efforts to improve the travel experience and make the boarding process more convenient for its passengers.

Beginning on September 15, 2026, passengers on Cebu Pacific (5J) flights will be permitted to bring up to 10 kg of total hand carry items, up from the previous 7 kg limit. On flights run by Cebgo (DG), the total allowance for hand carry will continue to be 7 kg.

The updated policy gives travelers more flexibility to bring what they need for their trip while maintaining clear limitations on the number and size of hand carry items. These actions will also help our crew manage baggage more efficiently, complete pre-departure procedures on time, and adhere to flight schedules.

Passengers may only bring up to two (2) pieces of hand carry items on board:

• One (1) hand carry baggage (to be placed in the overhead bin)
• One (1) personal item (to fit under the seat in front)

Passengers are reminded to ensure they can comfortably lift and stow their hand carry luggage in the overhead bin by themselves, or under the seat in front of them.

Hand carry items must follow the corresponding size limits:

• Hand carry baggage: up to Height = 56 cm × Length = 36 cm × Width = 23 cm
• Personal item: up to Height = 20 cm × Length = 35 cm x Width = 20 cm  

In order to minimize flight delays and ensure a more seamless boarding experience, passengers are reminded to keep their hand-carry items within the allowed number of pieces and weight limits.

Any hand carry item that exceeds CEB's allowed limits must be checked in, subject to the applicable baggage fees.

It is recommended that travelers pre-purchase their checked baggage allowance via the Manage Booking portal or add additional baggage allowance using their MyCebuPacific accounts.

Passengers can check in online via the CEB website and mobile app if they have no checked baggage, which reduces airport wait times and allows them to go straight to their assigned boarding gates.

CEB currently flies to 35 domestic and 26 international destinations across Asia, Australia and the Middle East.  

For more information, visit: www.cebupacificair.com.

Building Skills, Shaping Champions: TESDA, AMA Education System (AMAES) Partner for WorldSkills Philippines 2026

“The Filipino has always had the talent to compete with the best in the world. What our young people need are the right education, training, technology and opportunities to demonstrate what they can do. Our partnership with TESDA and our support for WorldSkills reflect AMA’s commitment to helping prepare a generation of Filipinos who are not simply ready for employment, but ready to compete and lead in a technology-driven global economy. Education cannot afford to wait for technology to change the world before we begin preparing our students for it. We have to anticipate the skills that will matter tomorrow and give young Filipinos the opportunity to master them today.” ~Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System (AMAES)

Building on a partnership strengthened through successive WorldSkills initiatives, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and AMA Education System (AMAES) continue a shared push to prepare Filipino talent for a future defined by technology, innovation and globally competitive skills.

The road to becoming world-class begins at home in classrooms, labs, training facilities, and competitions where young Filipinos can put their skills to the test.

That journey takes center stage at WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, the country's premier national skills competition, which is held at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga from September 7 to 11, 2026.

About 350 competitors from TESDA's 18 regional offices—all qualifiers from their respective Regional Skills Olympics—will compete in 30 industry-driven skill areas under the theme "Your Skills, Your Future."

The competition is the latest stage of AMA's continued support for TESDA's skills-development initiative and a logical continuation of the organization's longstanding commitment to technology-driven education.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT FOR WORLD-CLASS SKILLS

AMA Computer University, Inc. officially highlighted AMA's WorldSkills partnership with TESDA in 2025 when it joined more than thirty industry and educational partners to support the Philippines' hosting of the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025.

Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, the founder and chairman emeritus of AMA Education System (AMAES), established the organization in 1980 when computer education was still relatively new in the Philippines. This vision is embodied in the partnership for AMA.

For Filipino talent to become globally competitive, government, education, and business cooperation are essential. The collaboration between AMA and TESDA has grown from a formal partnership to the regional level and is now the leading national skills competition in the country.

A PARTNERSHIP BUILT THROUGH WORLDSKILLS

September 7–11, 2026 — WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026

AMA continues its support for TESDA’s skills-development movement through WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 at the Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga.

August 26–28, 2025 — 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition

The Philippines hosted the regional competition in Manila, with AMA Computer University, Inc. among TESDA’s official partners.

July 4, 2025 — Formalizing the AMA–TESDA Partnership

AMA Computer University, Inc. joined TESDA and other industry and education partners in a mass Memorandum of Agreement signing in Pasay City, formalizing its support for WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025.

When considered collectively, these accomplishments demonstrate a cooperation that goes beyond a single competition, providing Filipino talent with the opportunity to develop their skills, compete at higher levels, and get closer to the global stage.

30 SKILLS, ONE NATIONAL STAGE

Formerly known as the Philippine National Skills Competition, WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026 now carries the official WorldSkills Philippines brand, aligning the national event with the standards and framework of WorldSkills International.

Its 30 skill areas across six major industry sectors reflect the changing nature of skilled work. Information and Communication Technology competitions include Cyber Security, ICT Network Infrastructure, IT Network Systems Administration, Software Applications Development, Web Technologies and Artificial Intelligence, alongside disciplines in manufacturing, engineering, construction, creative industries, hospitality and automotive technology.

As TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco “Kiko” B. Benitez said, WorldSkills brings together the nation’s most skilled youth while inspiring “excellence, innovation, and lifelong learning.”

The competition also serves as a pathway to the global stage, with gold and silver medalists potentially selected to represent the Philippines in WorldSkills International, WorldSkills Asia and WorldSkills ASEAN.

WHERE AMA’S TECHNOLOGY LEGACY MEETS THE SKILLS MOVEMENT

WorldSkills' emphasis on emerging technologies and AMA's identity are very similar. Since its founding in 1980, the institution has placed a high priority on computer and technology education as well as industry readiness.

Artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, software development, and web technologies are now more than just academic specializations; young Filipinos can employ these skills both at home and overseas.

For AMA, WorldSkills creates a direct bridge between education, industry expectations and real-world capability.

FROM ASEAN HOST TO THE NEXT FILIPINO CHAMPIONS

The Philippines' historic year is followed by the national competition in 2026. The 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Competition took place in the country in 2025 with more than 300 competitors from ASEAN Member States. The event, which was the Philippines' first WorldSkills ASEAN host in nearly thirty years, was sponsored by AMA Computer University, Inc., one of TESDA's official partners.

Approximately 350 regional qualifiers compete in 30 different skill areas at Clark these days. More than just medals are at stake: competitors are judged on their problem-solving skills, inventiveness, accuracy, and technical proficiency; top performers may go on to compete abroad.

For AMA, supporting this ecosystem means helping give young Filipinos a clearer pathway from education to professional excellence.

SKILLS AS A NATIONAL ADVANTAGE

WorldSkills Philippines is more than just a competition. In order to promote the development of superior skills and prepare Filipino talent for competition overseas, TESDA is mandated by Section 30 of Republic Act No. 7796, also known as the TESDA Act of 1994, to hold an annual national skills competition. Conversely, international WorldSkills competitions follow their own competition schedules.

That goal has become even more crucial as automation, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and digital technologies transform the workplace.

The TESDA-AMA partnership strengthens this pathway: TESDA provides a national platform and an internationally aligned skills framework, while AMA contributes its longstanding emphasis on technology education and industry readiness.

For Dr. Amable R. Aguiluz V, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of AMA Education System (AMAES), the partnership reflects the principle that inspired AMA’s beginnings—preparing Filipinos not only for today’s opportunities, but for those that will define tomorrow.

From WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 to WorldSkills Philippines Clark 2026, the objective remains clear: equip Filipino talent with the skills, technology and opportunities to compete with the best.

Because the road to a global podium begins with investing in Filipino talent at home.

SM Center Sangandaan offers FREE AI Skills Session

SM Center Sangandaan will help community members better understand and navigate the technology as it continues to change how people study, work, and conduct business by offering a free upskilling session focused on practical AI applications.

The educational event, "AI for All," is scheduled for September 12, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the 2nd floor of SM Center Sangandaan, which is adjacent to KKV.

The session aims to make AI more approachable by focusing on how it can be used in everyday work, business, productivity, and career development rather than technical jargon.

Participants will examine practical uses of AI in business, productivity, and the workplace in addition to learning about prompt engineering and AI principles. Additionally, responsible and ethical AI use will be covered in the lesson, helping students understand both the technology's potential and how it should be used.

The program will also introduce participants to IBM SkillsBuild, which will provide them with additional learning resources as they continue to refine their skills in an increasingly digital workplace.

As part of their continuous efforts to give Filipino communities easily accessible career opportunities and skill development, SM Supermalls is offering a free training session.

As AI becomes more widely used across industries, learning how to use it can help students, job seekers, working professionals, and aspiring entrepreneurs navigate new opportunities.

Because "Your next skill could open your next door," SM Center Sangandaan encourages the community to take that initial step by learning something new, understanding emerging technologies, and becoming more prepared for what lies ahead.

The AI for All session, which brings together business and educational partners to expand community access to digital skills development, is made possible by SM Supermalls, DICT, and IBM SkillsBuild.

For the most recent information about the event, interested parties are encouraged to visit the official SM Center Sangandaan Facebook page. Alternatively, they can scan the QR code found in the official event materials to obtain registration details and additional details.